A Wiki World

What are the investment implications of Wikileaks?

To some Julian Assange is a hero, but to most of the world he seems an annoying pest. He’s like that brilliant but obnoxious kid in school who knew everyone’s secrets. While outwardly people were friendly, for the most part he was avoided or even shunned.

But there was an implication: you had to always watch what you said and what you did. Because you could never be sure what might come out as general knowledge the next day.

We now live in a post-Wiki world, where the most confidential communications can be invaded and published for all to see. The fallout from last spring’s data-dump about the Iraq war seemed limited, because so little of what was leaked was surprising. But these latest disclosures appear much more serious. Diplomatic communication has been privileged for millennia. In the internet-age that taboo has been broken.

Assange promises to release bank secrets and other confidential information soon. I have no doubt that he will. There are tremendous implications from this. For investors, it’s more important than ever that company management have the highest possible integrity. Management’s words and actions had better match up. Because the most private boardroom conversations are now fair game.

Character is destiny, especially in an age of total transparency. Now, more than ever, it’s critical to understand your investments and know how they’re managed.

Douglas R. Tengdin, CFA Chief Investment OfficerHit reply if you have any questions—I read them all!

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Mr. Tengdin is the Chief Investment Officer at Charter Trust Company and author of “The Global Market Update”. The audio version of each post can be heard on radio stations throughout New England every weekday. Mr. Tengdin graduated from Dartmouth College, Magna Cum Laude. He received his Master of Arts from Trinity Divinity School, Magna Cum Laude and received his Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation in 1992. Mr. Tengdin has been managing investment portfolios for over 30 years, working for Bank of Boston, State Street Global Advisors, Citibank – Tunisia, and Banknorth Group. Throughout his career, Mr. Tengdin has emphasized helping clients manage their financial risks in difficult environments where they can profit from investing in diverse assets in diverse settings. -
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The Global Market Update is curated by Douglas Tengdin, CFA an employee of Charter Trust Company. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Charter Trust Company. Investments may involve investment risk, including the possible loss of value.

Copyright 2017 | All Rights ReservedNothing contained in this communication should be construed as investment advice.